Since it's inception in 1929, the Buffalo Ornithological Society has engaged in and supported avian research. This emphasis on research has continued up to the present and members are strongly encouraged to become involved in one of the following ways:

Annual Bird Counts

The BOS has collected bird census information as far back as 1939.  Members are encouraged to participate in our counts, and those less experienced can be teamed with more experienced birders to start out.  Hundreds of local birders participate in these activities and their records provide valuable information about changes in bird distribution and populations over the years. We have six regularly scheduled annual counts as follows:

• NYSDEC Waterfowl Count - third week of January
• HMANA Hamburg Hawkwatch - March through mid-May
  
• BOS April - second Sunday in April
• BOS May - third Sunday in May
• BOS Shorebird - mid-August
• BOS October - second Sunday in October
• Christmas Bird Counts - there are many scheduled beginning in mid-December
  

Please Note: These are target dates only.  View the Calendar for exact dates.
Click On the links above for more information about each count, including any forms and maps provided by the count compilers.
Click here for BOS Section Maps.

Special Projects Grants

The BOS awards grants annually for avian research and conservation efforts. 
Aplications are reviewed by a member committee and awards presented each spring.

For more information, or to apply, click here.

Programs

Programs are presented at many of our regular meetings which are free and open to the public.  Speakers share a diversity of research interests.  Our grant recipients agree to share their findings, analysis of our count data is regularly presented, and we also invite speakers to give programs.  Our diverse membership includes a wealth of avian experts (both professional and recreational) who are wiling to share before, during and after meetings. Watch the calendar and home page for upcoming programs.

Volunteer Efforts

Members are often asked to participate in research efforts, and both meetings and this website are great places to get involved in some of these activities.  Some examples of such opportunities enjoyed by our membership in the past:

• Assistance with DEC-sponsored study of Short-Eared Owls in New York State
• Assisted NYS DEC with Peregrine Falcon monitoring
  
• Participation in the New York State Atlas 2000 project sponsored by the NYS DEC
  

Additional volunteer opportunities will be posted as we are made aware of them.  If you are interested in posting a relevant volunteer opportunity, contact our webmaster.

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BOS members, Jim Pawlicki (left) and Mike Galas (right) assist with Chuck Rosenburg's Short-eared Owl study